Stephen Colbert's sister begins bid for Congress

Jan. 22, 2013
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by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

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It's official: Comedian Stephen Colbert's sister is now a Democratic candidate for Congress.

Amanda Loveday, executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party, told USA TODAY that Elizabeth Colbert-Busch filed her paperwork about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to run for the vacant 1st Congressional District seat.

Colbert-Busch is the business-development director at Clemson University's wind-turbine facility and an older sister of the Comedy Channel host.

Her entry into the race has some political insiders salivating at the prospect of a match-up against Republican Mark Sanford, the former governor who admitted he had an extramarital affair in 2009. It's going to be a crowded GOP field, but Sanford, who previously represented the House district, has the highest-name recognition in the bunch.

Speaking of big names, one Republican candidate is already on TV with a campaign ad. That would be Teddy Turner, a high school teacher who happens to be the son of CNN founder Ted Turner. The biographical spot explains that the young Turner went to Russia to "work as a cameraman and left as a conservative."

Republican Tim Scott resigned from Congress to accept appointment to the U.S. Senate. Primaries will be held March 19. The general election is May 7.